I know any American who just watched the US vs. Slovenia World Cup Game is probably outraged over Maurice Edu’s disallowed third goal, but I’m focused on something else: midfielder Michael Bradley’s consistently impressive effort. One of the announcers during the last game (the 1-1 draw against England, a controversy in itself) called Bradley a “responsible player,” and I had to agree with his adjective choice. Bradley runs circles around his own team when they’ve dropped to a walk or a standstill, maintaining movement on the field and opening up play opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t happen. Like, for example, this morning’s tying goal against Slovenia.

Why does Bradley stand out as a player? His work ethic and unwavering drive, evident in his constant effort in games, for one. Also, however, his recent baldheadedness causes him to stick out like a sore thumb in a field full of dark-headed and dark-skinned players like Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore. “You mean Casper?” my World-Cup-viewing companions asked when I referred to Bradley. So sure. He’s got a white head, and he’s great.

Not this morning's game, but still awesome.

Now I don’t know that there’s an actual scientific link between baldness and a relentless spirit, but there seems to be some connection. A few other examples:

Sure, he's a villain. But a darn good one.

Lex Luthor from the Smallville TV series. I’ve only watched up to season five and I know somewhere down the line Superman has to win, but Lex does a pretty good job of filling the power-and-greatness role while Clark Kent “finds himself.” He’s rich, he has connections, and he has no hair. Granted, since he got hit by a meteor he can’t grow any — but that perhaps caused his fierce attitude as well as all his personal problems.

Demi Moore's a fool for leaving this cueball for Ashton Kutcher's luscious locks

Bruce Willis. He gets through all those Die Hard movies without even road rash. And it’s not just because he has stunt doubles.

And I don't even like tennis very much

Andre Aggasi: Arguably the greatest tennis player of all time. The only male tennis player to have won a Singles Career Grand Slam, which is when you win the Australian Open, the US Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and an Olympic gold medal. Well, you don’t — Andre Agassi does. ‘Cause he’s bald. (What about the girls? Steffi Graff did it in ’88. But the bald-power connection does not apply to the female gender).

The peace sign - a truth, not a stereotype

The guy second from the left. I don’t have any idea who he is, but when we played against this men’s team in Iwata, Japan, he surpassed his teammates in skill and in speed, again proving the strength of a bald dome to a furry one.

So there you have it. I’m not saying bald guys are any better than guys with hair, but I am saying that guys like these….

… however nice and sensitive they may be, are not going to win any tennis tournaments, contend with Superman, or save the United States National Soccer team from an otherwise embarrassing loss against an obscure European country.